Posted originally on CTH on August 19, 2025 | Sundance

Following a historic peace summit consisting of EU leaders attending the White House, President Donald Trump says arrangements are beginning for a bilateral meeting between the leaders of Russia and Ukraine.  If the approach is successful, this could be a significant move toward ending the conflict between the two countries.

President Trump – “I had a very good meeting with distinguished guests, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, of Ukraine, President Emmanuel Macron, of France, President Alexander Stubb, of Finland, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, of Italy, Prime Minister Keir Starmer, of the United Kingdom, Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, Friedrich Merz, President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and Secretary General of NATO, Mark Rutte, in the White House, which ended in a further meeting in the Oval Office.

During the meeting we discussed Security Guarantees for Ukraine, which Guarantees would be provided by the various European Countries, with a coordination with the United States of America. Everyone is very happy about the possibility of PEACE for Russia/Ukraine.

At the conclusion of the meetings, I called President Putin, and began the arrangements for a meeting, at a location to be determined, between President Putin and President Zelenskyy. After that meeting takes place, we will have a Trilat, which would be the two Presidents, plus myself.

Again, this was a very good, early step for a War that has been going on for almost four years. Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, are coordinating with Russia and Ukraine. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” (LINK)

The “security guarantees” are a sticking point for many of us.  From previous statements we can infer President Trump is willing to be a backstop to support the military forces of the EU and other countries.   The U.K, France, Germany et al taking the leading role, and the USA is the “in case of emergency break glass” option.

At least that looks like the outline being proposed and organized.